Creative Partnerships Manager (Ad Sales)

As the Creative Partnerships Manager freelancer you will drive the development and orchestration of multi-platform partnerships across linear, digital, and social. You will connect advertising clients to the programming across Versant brands, including portfolios similar to entertainment, news, lifestyle, and genre-focused networks.
You will serve as a strategic partner across ad sales, planning, creative, operations, and strategic content teams. The role includes managing RFP requests, sponsorship deliverables, client-facing materials, and ensuring seamless execution of advertising programs across Versant media platforms.

Location: NYC (4 days in office, 1 remote)
Rate: $42-47/hr
Duration: 6+ months

Core Requirements (Must-Haves)

• 3–5 years of experience in advertising, media sales, or marketing (ideally within news or legacy media networks).
• Hands-on Ad Sales Marketing experience, including familiarity with RFP proposals and pre-sale work.
• Background in legacy media network ad sales (e.g., news networks, sports/entertainment properties).
• Experience working at a media, creative, or advertising agency or in-house equivalent.
• Strong understanding of media terminology (linear, digital, sponsorships, integrations, impressions, etc.).
• Excellent project management and multitasking abilities in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines.
• Detail-oriented with strong problem-solving skills and comfort “working in the gray.”
• Client-focused mindset with strong interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
• Ability to function in a client-facing capacity and step into external meetings to pitch ideas.
• Proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel.
• Ability to thrive in a highly collaborative, cross-functional team with evolving priorities.

Key Responsibilities
Client & Sales Support

• Collaborate with Sales and Marketing to respond to RFPs and build proactive pitches.
• Synthesize client needs and develop marketing opportunities that are scalable, innovative, and on-brand for Versant Media networks.
• Assist in developing client presentations, sales pitches, and go-to-market sponsorship concepts.
• Coordinate with internal teams (Sales, Account Management, Planning, Operations, Network teams) to gather deliverables and updates for client communication.
• Step into external meetings as needed and pitch thoughtful, compelling ideas to clients.

Project & Campaign Management

• Oversee timelines and deliverables for Versant Media sponsorships across linear, digital, social, and custom creative.
• Maintain clear communication with stakeholders to ensure all deadlines are met.
• Track progress of creative assets, approvals, scripts, graphics, and production needs.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work across multiple cross-functional teams, balancing competing priorities to keep initiatives moving.
• Partner with network teams (News, Entertainment, Sports) to identify and align on revenue-generating opportunities.
• Collaborate closely with Ad Sales Planning and Inventory to confirm pricing, availability, and flight details.

Data, Reporting & Internal Tools

• Update Monday.com and internal tracking systems with sponsorship details, statuses, and campaign progress.
• Support the creation of recap materials and performance summaries for internal and external stakeholders.
• Track category trends, show integrations, and available opportunities across Versant properties.

Operational Excellence

• Help streamline workflows and improve communication between sales and creative teams.
• Ensure all materials (decks, briefs, one-sheets) are organized, current, and accessible.
• Maintain best practices and process documentation for the department.